Agustin Stinson

The first line of defence is the entrance. Use a heavy-duty mat outside plus a washable absorbent rug indoors the main entrances. This combination catches most of the snow and grit before it gets to your floors. Use a boot tray to make sure wet boots don't sit on your flooring.

The biggest advantage of vinyl plank is its resistance to moisture. In contrast to traditional laminate, a quality vinyl plank won't warp because of moisture. This makes it a perfect fit for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Warmth and comfort also matters, particularly during cold Canadian months. LVP feels warmer under your feet than tile or stone, while many collections come with an attached underlayment for better sound absorption.

Tile are still a proven option. It is nearly impervious to water, scratch-resistant and available in countless styles, including wood-look planks to marble and stone looks. Choose tiles with good slip resistance in bathrooms, and consider radiant heating to keep tile warm.

Moisture protection is another major function, especially on concrete slabs. A concrete slab often releases humidity over time, and an underlay with a built-in vapour barrier helps protect wood-based floors from swelling.

De-icing salt can leave a hazy residue that will damage the surface of most floors. Clean salt marks as soon as possible using a damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor on hardwood and laminate.

Underlayment can also hides minor imperfections beneath the floor and provides some softness underfoot. Note, however, that cannot replace levelling the subfloor: large dips and bumps need to be fixed beforehand.

Lately, LVP has turned into one of the best-selling flooring options for Canadian homeowners. It is easy to see why: it delivers a beautiful wood look, it stands up to spills, and it suits a wide range of budgets.

Is hardwood an option? Absolutely, but be selective. Harder species like oak, maple or hickory are more resistant, and fiLMYHd.net matte finishes and textured surfaces hide minor marks much better than high-gloss finishes.

Durability is one more strong point. Most LVP products feature a protective wear layer that protects against scuffs and scratches, marks and UV fading. Busy households value how easy it is to maintain: regular sweeping and a damp mop keep it looking new.

Indoor humidity is also critical. When the furnace is running, the air in your home often becomes very dry, leading to natural wood to contract and gaps to open. A humidifier keeping indoor humidity around 35 to 50 percent protects your floors as well as your comfort.

Vinyl plank is often the best choice for lower levels. Several LVP collections are completely water-resistant, so they won't be damaged if moisture appears. Rigid core vinyl can also tolerate slight unevenness in the concrete.

Ceramic and porcelain tile is virtually waterproof, although it can feel cold underfoot if you do not you add a heated floor system. Carpet, meanwhile, adds comfort yet may hold moisture, which is why rugs over a hard floor tend to be a better solution.

When your household includes dogs, cats or young children, you already know how quickly floors take a beating. Paws, toys, juice spills and snow and slush quickly stain a poorly chosen floor faster than you think. Fortunately: today's flooring options are made to handle busy family life.

Canadian winters can be picturesque, but it is rough on your floors. Melting snow, calcium chloride, gravel and dry indoor air can all damage even the best floors if left unchecked. With a few simple habits, it is easy to keep your floors in top shape until spring.

Can you use hardwood in wet areas? Water-resistant laminate are a valid option for kitchens, if water is cleaned up right away. Wood can also work in a kitchen with caution, however in bathrooms, waterproof vinyl or tile remain the recommended options.

Before anything else, check the moisture level in your basement. A simple test like taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for a day or two can show whether moisture comes through. Solve drainage issues before you install anything.

The kitchen and the bathroom rank among the busiest rooms in any home. They get water, humidity, dropped dishes and frequent mopping. The flooring you choose here has to be waterproof, hard-wearing and simple to maintain without sacrificing good looks.

When planning a flooring project, they tend to focus on colour, the style and the price per square foot. However what goes under your planks matters just as much. The right underlayment can make a big difference in comfort, sound and protection against moisture, while it helps your new floor perform better.

Luxury vinyl plank and tile have become a favourite for both rooms. Fully waterproof constructions guarantee that splashes will not ruin your investment as long as you clean them up. Vinyl feels softer underfoot than tile, which is much appreciated during winter.